Halflings

A cheery and optimistic people, Halflings are a people driven by wanderlust and a love of new things. They make up for their short stature with a zealous hunger for adventure and excitement. An easy-going race, Halflings rarely lose their temper and are often better at keeping a level head than other civilized races. Even in the face of danger, they almost never lose their sense of humor and are able to make light of any situation no matter how dire. Some speculate that this might be a subtle trick to remove themselves from terrors that might immobilize even their strongest companions. Natural opportunists, Halflings are known to believe that they can turn any situation to their advantage. This can lead to them leaping into trouble without any solid plans or methods of escape when things go awry. Typically weaker than most races, Halflings know when to hide or when to run. That being said, their curiosity often overwhelms their senses which can lead to narrow escapes and poor decision-making. Despite their close encounters teaching many of them a measure of caution, rarely do they lose faith in pure luck. Despite their natural wanderlust, Halflings have an incredible sense of hearth and home, often going to great lengths to enhance the comforts of their home. This can also manifest in their urge to make their homes a showcase, putting extreme effort and a great amount of wealth into improving their homes. This is believed to be done out of the respect for strangers or for loved ones. This is due to Halflings wishing to show anyone that they deem worthy of entering their home that they are welcome. This behavior has resulted in the term “Halfling hospitality” coming into circulation when referring to the quality of one’s generosity. On average, Halflings rise to around three feet tall. Preferring to walk barefoot, their feet have become roughly calloused and have sprouted thick tufts of curly hair on the top. Their skin tones tend to lean towards a cinnamon color with their hair ranging between light and dark brown. While pointed like elves, Halfling's ears are similar to Half-Elves in the way that they are proportioned similarly to Humans. Halflings tend to prefer modest clothing, this is on account of them trying to blend into the background rather than stand out in most situations. That being said, Halflings have been known to quite happily dress up should the occasion require. Rather than establishing their own kingdoms or nations, Halflings tend to pursue much more humble livelihoods. Rather than great and mighty causes, they focus on family and the community that they occupy. Mostly, they live within the cities of their taller cousins Humans. Most live a fulfilling life within Human settlements, though many also take to the roads in caravans, experiencing all the world has to offer. Despite their living within Human settlements, they manage to maintain their own culture via customs and tradition. Favoring fable over history, Halflings prefer tales that invite virtue into the lives of their children. This lends to the adaptability of their people, easily casting off old grudges or obligations that would otherwise hinder them. Typically, Halflings pride themselves on their ability to go unnoticed by the other denizens of Venterra. This trait has allowed many Halflings to excel at trickery and other such unsavory talents. Most Halflings are aware of this stereotype and thus go out of their way to be forthcoming and open to the other races when they’re not trying to go unnoticed. Halflings deeply value their freedom and autonomy, especially in the case of their wanderlust. That being said, Halflings seem to rarely fight back when imprisoned or enslaved. Rather they wait for the right time to slip away or have even been known to adopt their owners as family despite their hopes for eventual freedom.

Starting Ages

Adulthood	Intuitive	Self-Taught	Trained
20 years	+2d4 years (22 – 28 years)	+3d6 years (23 – 38 years)	+4d6 years (24 – 44 years)

Height and Weight

Gender	Base Height	Height Modifier	Base Weight	Weight Modifier
Male	2 ft. 8 in.	+2d4 in. (2 ft. 10 in. – 3 ft. 4 in.)	30 lbs.	+(2d4 lbs.) (32 – 38 lbs.)
Female	2 ft. 6 in.	+2d4 in. (2 ft. 8 in. – 3 ft. 2 in.)	25 lbs.	+(2d4 lbs.) (27 – 33 lbs.)

Standard Racial Traits

Ability Score Modifiers: Halflings are nimble and strong-willed, but their small stature makes them weaker than other races. They gain +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, and –2 Strength.
Size: Halflings are Small creatures and gain a +1 size bonus to their AC, a +1 size bonus on attack rolls, a –1 penalty to their CMB and CMD, and a +4 size bonus on Stealth checks.
Type: Halflings are humanoids with the Halfling subtype.
Base Speed (Slow Speed): Halflings have a base speed of 20 feet.
Languages: Halflings begin play speaking Common and Halfling. Halflings with high Intelligence scores can choose from the following: Dwarven, Elven, Gnome, and Goblin. See the Linguistics skill page for more information about these languages.
Fearless: Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on all saving throws against fear. This bonus stacks with the bonus granted by halfling luck.
Halfling Luck: Halflings receive a +1 racial bonus on all saving throws.
Sure-Footed: Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on Acrobatics and Climb checks.
Weapon Familiarity: Halflings are proficient with slings and treat any weapon with the word “halfling” in its name as a martial weapon.
Keen Senses: Halflings receive a +2 racial bonus on Perception checks.